NCCE and stakeholders caution Ghanaian media against fake news

The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) and its stakeholders have called on the media to censor any news that could incite political fanatics ahead of the 2024 General Elections.

The NCCE addressed the media on Monday, May 20, 2024, at their head office in Accra, following the rollout of the Inter-Party Dialogue Committees (IPDC) from the district to the regional levels in Ghana.

This initiative aims to mitigate violence and promote peace in anticipation of the upcoming elections.

Kathleen Addy, Chairperson of the NCCE, highlighted the media's crucial role in maintaining Ghana's peace and stability.

She underscored the media's responsibility to detect and block fake news and other content detrimental to building a peaceful Ghana.

"Before you broadcast anything, verify, cross-check, and ensure that it is ethically sound. Do everything to avoid fake news; don't give oxygen to fake news," she stated.

She further urged the media to refrain from hosting, endorsing, or airing content that negatively impacts the image of political parties in Ghana. "The media must consciously prevent political actors from using their platforms for such activities," she added.

Addy identified these acts, condoned by the media, as common triggers for disputes among political party supporters, especially before elections.

"Do not allow your platforms to be used by political actors to hurl insults, use intemperate language, or express violent sentiments towards each other."

Fake news is one of the key issues identified by the National Commission for Civic Education. Other themes include Monetization of Ghanaian Politics: The Rise in Demand Against Supply, Election Violence and 'Religious Intolerance.

The Inter-Party Dialogue Committees (IPDC) act as a unifying body to ensure peace and promote dialogue among political parties during electoral processes.

The theme for this year's IPDC, 'Together We Can Build Ghana: So Get Involved,' is a call to action for all Ghanaians to participate in building the nation and sustaining peace and coexistence.